Child Pornographer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

GREENVILLE—United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court today Senior United State District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced WILLIAM HOPKINS, 30, of Currituck, North Carolina, to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by a life-term of supervised release. The Court also imposed a $5,000 fine and he is required to register as a sex offender.

A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment on February 23, 2011. On August 10, 2011, HOPKINS pled guilty to receipt of child pornography.

According to the investigation, an undercover peer-to-peer investigation using Limewire was initiated in Oklahoma. During the investigation HOPKINS’ Internet address was identified and found to contain files with names indicative of photos of child pornography. On March 26, 2010, a search warrant was executed at the residence where HOPKINS lived. Agents searched a laptop computer owned by HOPKINS where still images and videos of child pornography were found. Forensic analysis later revealed at least 1,429 images on the computer and an interactive computer service.

This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes is serving as prosecution for the government.